Who to Call for a Clogged Toilet

Not sure who to call for a clogged toilet? A professional plumber can get rid of stubborn toilet clogs. These pros will have one of two licenses: journeyman or master. However, regulations can vary by state, with some requiring a certain amount of hours, specific licensing exams, or business registration guidelines that someone must follow before legally doing plumbing work. When hiring a pro, look for someone licensed and insured with toilet repair and installation experience. 

Benefits of Hiring a Plumber for a Clogged Toilet

There are many reasons to hire an experienced plumber to examine your clogged toilet, including the following benefits: 

• Plumbers use specialized equipment to clean pipes and reach deep clogs without causing damage. 

• Plumbers can diagnose issues contributing to the clog and do repairs to prevent future problems. 

• Some plumbers specialize in toilet installation and repairs and can use that knowledge to locate and more easily access the clog. 

Keep in mind that the cost of a plumber will depend on their years of experience and expertise. Plumbers must also be licensed, so check a pro’s licensure and insurance before hiring them.

Can I DIY a Clogged Toilet Repair?

Most people can handle a light clog with a plunger and some muscle power. For the best suction, make sure the plunger creates a good seal over the drain opening. You also need enough water in the toilet to cover the plunger. 

When plungers don’t work, you can buy an auger at a local home improvement store. These augers extend a cable into the drain and can create a hole through the clog, allowing water to flow and clear the clog. However, sometimes augers (and inexperienced users) can push clogs even deeper. Plumbers often have industrial augers with longer cables or more aggressive equipment to remove clogs. 

If your toilet clog has withstanded a plunger and a snake, you should definitely hire a local plumber for toilet repair. If you try to force your way through a clog after trying both of these methods, you could damage your pipes or push the clog deeper into your plumbing, where it can be even more difficult to reach.

Can I Hire a Handyperson for a Clogged Toilet?

An experienced handyperson may be able to handle a clogged toilet. Check the company website for a list of experience and specialties, which may include toilet installation and repair. However, if the clog is severe, if you suspect there may be a blockage deeper in your plumbing system, or if the job will require more extensive plumbing work, you’re better off calling a licensed plumber.

Know When to Hire a Plumber for a Clogged Toilet 

Knowing when to hire a plumber for a clogged toilet can prevent damage to the toilet and ensure the clog is really gone so you can flush freely. If you’ve already tried DIY methods for unclogging a toilet, like using a plunger and a snake or baking soda and vinegar—but the clog is still there, and you still can’t flush—it’s time to call a plumber.

If more than one toilet is clogged or the drains are backing up into the shower, a larger problem than what the typical DIYer can handle could be present. In this case, the safest route is to call a plumber or a toilet repair pro in your area to examine the situation and make recommendations. 

How Do Plumbers Unclog a Toilet?

Plumbers are fairly systematic when it comes to clogs. They’ll locate the clog and then determine the cause. Causes can range from a toilet flapper that doesn’t fit correctly to toilet or pipe damage caused by disrepair or repairs done incorrectly. After locating and diagnosing the problem, they may try plunging one more time. However, pros typically warm the plunger so the rubber can better mold to the drain opening. 

In some cases, a well-fit plunger is enough to remove the clog. If it’s not, the next step requires an industrial auger with a cable length of up to 100 feet. An auger can reach deep into the plumbing well past where a plunger can be effective. 

The plumber may decide to skip the auger for a hydro-jetting system, which condenses water to remove the dirt and grime that accumulates in typical sewer and drain lines. They may remove the toilet to gain better access to the pipes and clog. Once the clog is removed, a plumber will then repair any issues contributing to the problem.